Growing Things and Other Stories

These stories are insanely strange and bizarre; extreme squirrelliness. I don't get much "horror", but what I do get is a flesh crawling creepiness in a few and in others wholehearted WTF moments. There's a bit of Shirley Jackson in these stories, and also that same look-over-your-shoulder-to-see-if-you're-being-followed scariness in Anne Rivers Siddons "The House Next Door". I thoroughly enjoyed these stories, and I completely agree with Tremblay, as he observes that what you remember from a story, is how you felt. For me, it was "WOW".

I’m a huge Paul Tremblay fan and I gave him such a hard time on Twitter that I waited so long for this book. With that said, the most depressing book I’ve read.. I’m sad over this, there and a no hope, no light... it’s a gut wrenching story after story. 4 stars for the writing but my soul won’t be the same with no redemption, nothing but terrifying black, suicide and dark places. Maybe because it’s summer here? Or not.. not in this book.. sorry my friend... I’ll be looking for your next amazing book!

A tremendous collection from a modern horror master. Tremblay plays more freely than in his recent novels with style and structure here, and usually to wondrous effect. Lots of Easter eggs for his fans, while nothing new readers will miss out on for not knowing. I can’t wait to read what Tremblay publishes next.

Not my favorite of his books, but still a good book.

Loved a great many of the stories. Well worth a readers time. His narrative is constant despite the many different stories and tones. I will be reading his other work.

At the end of practically every one of these short stories, my reaction was WTF?  Not that my mind was blown, it was because I didn’t understand what I just read!  I’m guessing the goal was to leave these stories open-ended so the reader can interpret what it was all about themselves.  I actually had a better understanding of some of the stories after reading the “Notes” section.  Also, I wasn’t digging the animal abuse in several of the stories.  I need a pallet cleanser after this one!

Paul Tremblay has burrowed into my brain at this point. His beautifully haunting and downright poetic prose is hypnotizing. Whether you're looking for an outright scare, a late night wistful wonder, or a writer suffering a serious bout of introspection, there is something here for you. Excellent. Excited to read more.

A great collection of short stories for lovers of everything dark and twisted!